fabulyeux

my oc xane going through it 💜

one of those oc drawings where i have no idea what the fuck i want to do and just draw shit. don’t ask me what’s goin on here.

my oc xane going through it 💜

one of those oc drawings where i have no idea what the fuck i want to do and just draw shit. don’t ask me what’s goin on here.

“I do have to say in advance that my advice might not be applicable to all groups of soldiers.” Louis said, taking a preliminary sip from his tea to test the waters. “So you might come out of this woefully disappointed.” he said, curving his lips around the cup once again in a sleek smile.

“But at least when it came to the army of the Divine One, it consisted of soldiers of many different backgrounds. Commoners and nobles all took up their arms and had eachothers back on the battlefield, many of them from different cultures as well. On the battlefield, a single miscommunication or gesture not picked up on can be fatal.” Louis gestured himself as if to say “As you well know”

“Outside of battle, these miscommunications are much less fatal, so you could see any sort of social interaction as training, any cross-cultural conversation as a clash.”

Huh, he never thought of it that way before. Usually Louis found himself just very nosy when it comes to people.

It is less his words and more the way his expression brightens, a quiet curiosity contrasted with a wide grin, that gives his true feelings— more than he could truly put into words or understand himself.

It provides a good background as he listens to Louis regale him his description, nodding along with it.

“ So I should talk more to people and watch them to understand them better in battle. If I understand people, then it'll be easier to use their strengths and plan around their weaknesses. ”  Though he said that easily, his spirit dims.  “ Ah, but talking to people is harder... I guess that's why people watching works better. I see.

“ You answered my question fine. An anecdote in return though... I'm not particularly used to talking about myself. ”  Or at least on the spot like this, not that he's against trying. Louis had given him something interesting to think about after all.

And even better, he didn’t feel like there were any social roles; no one was “better” at it than the other. He didn’t feel like guiding people into his worldview anymore in order to make them feel like the stranger in this world. Leif spoke his language, in a dialect Louis didn’t suppose existed.

Louis was used to making himself small: Keeping his distance got him a much larger perspective of the world and the human connections that make the earth go round. The small joys in life didn’t just refer to his favorite tea, or a sunny day, but also to the way joy comes around to those that don’t rate themselves higher than others.

But all of that was metaphorical, and now he found himself literally smaller… and he doubted this to be a matter of perspective.

Little time to question just what the hell was happening, the former Mercenary was led over to a weapons rack with the clear instruction to prepare. Spotting a pair of gauntlets, Byleth put them on, choosing to forgo the heavy looking armours suit for some lighter bracers and chest piece. Better for movement, particularly with her lighter frame. 

Once ready a wispy noble type approached them. “You fight for me” They told them, their voice quiet but commanding. “Win and I return you to where you were before. You will not loose” Before leaving, they touched Byleth’s gauntlets causing them to become embued with some sort of power. 

Louis reflected. He was better suited for peace time.

He's missed the cues before, being forced to notice only when morale's already too low. If he can learn from this though...

“ You two! Are you looking for tea? ”  a vendor shouts to them, signaling them to come closer.  “ I've got stocks from all over Fódlan and more! ”

“I do have to say in advance that my advice might not be applicable to all groups of soldiers.” Louis said, taking a preliminary sip from his tea to test the waters. “So you might come out of this woefully disappointed.” he said, curving his lips around the cup once again in a sleek smile.

“But at least when it came to the army of the Divine One, it consisted of soldiers of many different backgrounds. Commoners and nobles all took up their arms and had eachothers back on the battlefield, many of them from different cultures as well. On the battlefield, a single miscommunication or gesture not picked up on can be fatal.” Louis gestured himself as if to say “As you well know”

“Outside of battle, these miscommunications are much less fatal, so you could see any sort of social interaction as training, any cross-cultural conversation as a clash.”

Huh, he never thought of it that way before. Usually Louis found himself just very nosy when it comes to people.

“As the Ethereal Ball is only a little ways away, students and staff are doing their best to prepare via dancing lessons, outfit shopping, and event planning. This year a vendor arrives in town with a wagon full of flowers from all over the world in full bloom. They’re quite the romantic though, so luckily for you, they’re even offering corsage and boutonniere lessons. gift your crush, significant other, sworn enemy, or whoever it may be a lovely floral arrangement that you hand-picked and handmade! They won’t judge if it looks ugly, but.. maybe the person next to you is better at arranging

It was unusual for Louis to have a burning sense of pride or entitlement. Seeing Lady Céline or any of his other comrades content was his ultimate goal, so he was always willing to step away and efface himself to let others shine through. But with these cirumstances; a flower vendor coming into town and with a ball to organize, Louis couldn’t help but feel that bit of national pride in Firene’s sense of aesthetics and his own sense of etiquette. This job had Louie’s name all over it.

“Hello good sir, do you have any grape hyacinths?” Louis asked. They were his mother’s favorites and combined with peonies, they could make a lovely arrangement.

The vendor said something about corsages and boutonnières. No need for those just yet.

“No, no, they’re for decorating purposes actually.” Louis smiled attentively. What kind of florist worth his salt is using hyacinths to craft a corsage? Besides, these flowers needed to be resistant to the potentially harsh weather coming their way. Louis tried to shake off this feeling that prevented him from asking questions and being open-minded, but was stuck in his floral-induced wrath instead.

This didn’t improve upon being handed the flowers. Sure, they were hyacinths, but they were not grape at all, having more of a cerulean look to them. Probably a different pH-value of the soil, but unless they sold eggshell-white peonies, it wouldn’t fit the theme at all. Furthermore, the stems weren’t trimmed: No way they could be strung through the seating arrangement cards. This wasn’t an issue, but it did require someone who was good at crafts, which Louis was not.

He was going to need help with this. Just when it seemed the cavalry arrived, the person browsing over the flowers next to him was the person he was least enthusiastic about asking for help: His liege.

“Good day Lady Céline!” Louis said. “I got these flowers for decorating, but I’m going to need some help with crafting these in accessories.” Louis said, immediately regretting not giving her the option to browse flowers at her own leisure. “Of course, I’d be glad to assist you in your flower needs as well. Whatever you prefer, as usual.”

It made little difference whether Céline is to find herself crafting a corsage, boutonniere, or otherwise. For the moment, she merely takes in the scenery as a finger taps one of its petals. The sunny skies shine down on the ground below, glistening onto the flowers.

While she may arrived here alone, no longer is there solitude— Not when the petals call out to her and the welcomed face of Louis greets her.

"Hello, Louis. I would be delighted. Perhaps once we finish, you might spare a moment to help me gather a flower or two of my own? The thought of keeping one in my room is pleasant." How nice it might be to return, after a long day of studies, to a full blossom.

“If you don’t mind indulging in my request, I was wondering whether it was possible to attach these hyacinths to the notes I made to thank the staff of Garreg Mach for their efforts this year.” Louis took one of the cards out of his breast pocket and showed the small hole he cut out in the corner of the paper.

[The Ethereal Ball is nigh! The planning committee is hard at work preparing for the second biggest event of the year and asks for volunteers to help make it happen! There's plenty that needs to be done, from picking out the menu to securing the supplies you need for the dance cards.]

The academy was beginning to buzz with excitement at the approaching ball, and though Henry had never been to one, he was just as excited. Or, perhaps it was the fact he had never been to one that made it so exciting. He had hardly any clue how they worked; did rich people just dress up and stand around and dance? How did they dance, anyways? He knew waltzing was a thing, but it never made much sense to him, and he never tried it anyways. How crowded would it be? Would they expect prim and proper behavior? Although he expected that to be true, he still was excited nonetheless.

He wasn't quite sure what was exciting about it, but he knew he was much more energetic than usual, and jumped at the prospect of helping put the ball together. He certainly wasn't no cook, and he knew for a fact that his palate was most likely different than the good ol' rich people, and knowing the good ol' rich people, they'd complain about it. So, helping with supplies it was! Dance cards to keep track of who you danced with...? How funny! That made absolutely zero sense to him, but hey, most nobility stuff didn't. Anyways, they would probably need string to hold them together, some nice paper, ink of course, and... hm. Whatever, he'd figure it out.

For example, he saw a white-haired young man, with eyes almost as shut tight as his own, though Louis’ eyes tended to show their almond shape more. His clothes gave him the impression of a dark mage and he didn’t seem too old despite the white hair. A perfect match for someone li-. Louis decided to save it for the ball.

"How do you show a connection...?" he mumbled quietly to himself. After a moment more, he just shrugged and said, "How do you show a connection? Aw, beans, I dunno! I'm no good with that touchy-feely stuff.

“You see, I only know about dance cards as they are used in my homeland. Rather than to follow that procedure, however, I figured we could honor the various cultures and backgrounds present at Garreg Mach. By making a dance card that represents your homeland for example, people can learn more about your culture and customs. This way, the ball can also be a…crossroad of ideas, of some sorts, if you catch my drift.” Louis tried to explain his viewpoint as best as he could.

Louis briefly turned his head when Leif mentioned to be fascinated by him. “In a good way, I presume?” he said with a smile cheekier than allowed in Firene’s social circles. Plenty of people have found Louis off-putting. Not a bad thing when it pushes him more towards the background, but at some point it makes his place on the world’s stage to be in the wings, cheering on the socio-political actors on stage. The comment that Leif wanted to see the world as he does felt off-putting for this reason: Normally, the background elements aren’t praised for their depth, and Louis prompted the conversation in a similar levity.

“If everyone focused on the details of this world, we would ‘t make any strides on getting the big picture any clearer, don’t you agree? Though, if you feel like your shoulders have been unjustly burdened by weaving fate’s tapestry, I’m always there to lend an ear and help you focus on the small joys in life.”

Even the notion of focusing on the bigger picture didn't strike him as anything wrong, Leif's previous success riding him through on false confidence. It was merely just another position put forth to him: Louis's own opinion.

“ The bigger picture... True. That is important as well. It's easy to get lost, I suppose, in your own corner. ”  A vice Leif himself knew very well. Louis's diversion works, and the thought is stashed away when he realizes they are in the marketplace now.  

His eyes follow where Louis points. They seem like a particularly normal couple, both donning the academy's uniform. People who hadn't come for the potluck then?

“ It's my gift for you. What tea would you like? ”  one of them asks.

“ Oh, I don't know, ”  her lover replies.  “ In truth, I'd like to sample the tea blend you like the most. ”

“ But... it's your gift, Sherry. I'm trying to make you happy. ” 

“ Ah, but the thing that would make me happiest is to see you sipping away at something that makes you delighted. Your smile is far sweeter than any tea I could drink, you see. ” 

Louis reflected. He was better suited for peace time.

Still, he was in the Officer’s Academy to learn, and blending into the background would be a useful skill to add to his people-watching expeditions though his social awareness already did tell him that Matthew was not keen on being a mentor for a novice spy. Though, he did already master one skill: To muster an assuring smile at all times.

Matthew deftly fought back the urge to stiffen. It was an innocent enough remark, though it did little to endear the student to him. How much did Louis know, and if so, how?

The spy had come to the academy under the guise of a mere scout, after all. Well... A scout with the odd extra skillset at his disposal. No matter. For the time being, the Deer didn't seem to pose a threat. And if that happened to change, well... Knights couldn't depend on their armour to keep them from a knife's blade in their sleep.

... Not that Matthew made a habit of contemplating threats upon others in his spare time. All right. He'd let it go for now.

With a nod in response, he grinned. "Good. In truth, however, we may well have need of your strength. They may be light on their feet, but I'm not sure exactly how much muscle our would-be muscle is actually sporting, if y'ken my meaning."

It'd take more than a strong will to stab something many times larger than yourself. Successfully, at any rate. They were here to take the bandits out, and not to saddle them with the equivalent of a few mosquito bites.

Clapping a hand on Louis' shoulder as he made to walk past, he paused, just a moment:

"Stay safe, all right?"

When Matthew gave to go ahead to move, Louis did so, though always keeping an eye on Matthew. It’s the dynamic of master and pupil when it came to this, and something told Louis that treating himself as equal partner would not be taken well. Watching and learning seemed to be the course of action on a stealth mission much moreso than asking for every command. Such an approach is kind of tough when your partner is hard to read, and almost seems to be on purpose.